In Nice (Alpes-Maritimes), there is the sea, the sun and... political war, almost daily.
The rivalry between Mayor Christian Estrosi (Horizons) and MP Éric Ciotti (LR) who is running for city hall, is currently experiencing a very muscular peak around the former's expense reports.
The fuse was lit by Christelle d'Intorni, close to Éric Ciotti, also an MP, in an interview last weekend in Nice-Matin.
This elected official has been wondering for several weeks about expenses incurred by the public interest group (GIP) of the F 1 Grand Prix du Castelet, very indebted and under financial investigation, which Christian Estrosi chaired.
In its sights, it targets expenses at Montblanc and in ski resorts, regulated by this structure.
But also several bills, including one for 850 euros in a restaurant, or another for 500 euros at the Crillon hotel in Paris (8th arrondissement), corresponding, according to her, to the dates of Estrosi's birthday and during his birthday wedding in 2022.
“She and her sponsors hope to weaken me”
Accusations firmly denied this Thursday evening by the mayor of Nice, president of the metropolis and deputy president of the region.
In a vitriolic press release, he announced that he would file a complaint against her and the media “which spread her hatred”.
“These false statements, these fake news broadcast are unworthy of anyone who claims to be a parliamentarian.
She and her sponsors hope to weaken me,” denounces the mayor who produces photos, published on Instagram on the dates in question.
In these photos, we see him on a bike in Eze, with his family in Italy in Alassio and at Lake Como, but not in the places mentioned by his detractor.
End of the controversy?
The subject of expense reports could experience a new episode.
An elected LR opposition official from the city, support of Eric Ciotti, obtained the agreement of the Commission for Access to Administrative Documents to access the expense and travel reports of Christian Estrosi within the framework of his mandate as mayor.
With the desire to dissect everything, as was done last year, by others, after a long procedure, for the expenses of the mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo.